Tonight the Chainsmokers are the musical guest on Saturday Night Live. I like some of their songs and greatly dislike others.

For some reason I found myself thinking about their song "Paris," a track I don't really like or dislike. While looking up the lyrics, I was struck by how much the song seems to be describing C.S. Lewis' idea of purgatory/hell in The Great Divorce.

I'm almost certain the connection is unintentional. But, just for kicks, here are the lyrics:

* * * * * * *

We were staying in Paris
To get away from your parents
And I thought, “Wow
If I could take this in a shot right now
I don't think that we could work this out”
Out on the terrace
I don't know if it's fair but I thought, “How
Could I let you fall by yourself?"
Well, I'm wasted with someone else

If we go down, then we go down together
They'll say you could do anything
They'll say that I was clever
If we go down, then we go down together
We'll get away with everything
Let's show them we are better

We were staying in Paris
To get away from your parents
You looked so proud
Standing there with a frown and a cigarette
Posting pictures of yourself on the internet
Out on the terrace
We breathe in the air of this small town
On our own cutting class for the thrill of it
Getting drunk on the past we were living in

If we go down, then we go down together
They'll say you could do anything
They'll say that I was clever
If we go down, then we go down together
We'll get away with everything
Let's show them we are better

* * * * * * *

To me, the song works well as a sort of snapshot of codependency and narcissism. It expresses our inherent self-centeredness, our desire to be admired, the inevitability of failure, and the stubborn, infantile belief that it's better to reign in hell than to serve in heaven. It illustrates the way in which we all, to varying degrees, are subject to choose the intoxication of self-importance over the joy and deep rest of surrendering to God's will and boundless love for us, his fallen creatures selflessly redeemed through the sacrifice of his son Jesus Christ.

If this interpretation strikes you as far-fetched and grandiose, it may be helpful to know that I'm currently standing on a mountaintop, wearing a mustache and a cape.

For what it's worth, my favorite Chainsmokers song is probably "Don't Let Me Down." I'm hoping they'll play that tonight.

A lot of their remixes are good, too.

#TheChainsmokers #CSLewis #SNL